The WNBL is looking to replicate the success towering Chinese superstar Han Xu brought to the league as they set their sights on recruiting Asian talent.
Newly appointed CEO Justin Nelson says Han had made an impact in spurring the competition's growth last season as the league experienced surges in their attendance and viewership.
It is unknown whether the 211cm centre will return to the Perth Lynx next season, but Nelson believes the precedent she's already set will pave the way for clubs to begin looking to secure imports from Asia.
"Australia, Japan, Korea and China are four of the top 12 nations globally in women's basketball, so the talent level in this part of the world, the Asia Pacific zone, is extremely strong," he told AAP.
"I have no doubt that you will see a bigger push in the coming years into the Asian market.
"Han Xu, for me, was just a small taste of what's to come, and it's really exciting."
We are thrilled to announce the leadership appointments of experienced sporting administrator, Justin Nelson as Chief WNBL Operations Officer, along with basketball legend Lauren Jackson AO OLY as Chief Strategy and Basketball Partnerships Officer.
— WNBL (@WNBL) May 5, 2026
This announcement marks an… pic.twitter.com/bRhJud1QMN
Retaining marquee players has been a hot topic with the WNBA's new collective bargaining agreement handing players massive pay rises, while the Australian league will have to compete with the 3v3 competition, Unrivaled, the big-money Project B, the growing Chinese domestic competition and Europe.
The competition from other countries comes as the WNBL's broadcast deal expires at the end of the 2026/2027 season, with the league also undergoing a restructure in the offseason which led to chief executive Jennie Sager being made redundant.
Despite Sager calling the restructure "disappointing", Nelson backed the decision, insisting the league will grow as it looks to build on its momentum from last campaign.
"Last season was a step. Let's not get ahead of ourselves, it was an exciting step that needed to be taken," he said.
"We're very, very ambitious ... the ceiling is high, and we want to thump that ceiling loudly."
One of those ambitious targets is expansion, but Nelson said it must be done at a time when it supports the league's sustainability.
It comes after Sager previously told AAP several potential clubs had expressed interest in joining the league last year.
"I wouldn't put a time on it ... if it takes a little bit longer, then so be it," Nelson said.
"Those expansion conversations will always be there, and we're really positive and bullish about (it)."
